The Arkansaw traveler., 1887-09-10
SOME CURIOUS WAGERS.
Chambers Journal,

A wager was made early Ill the last century by banker named Bulliot. He was firm believer in the super stition that ifrain falls On St. Swithin's day (July 15) it will also fall, ,'more or less, for forty days after. St. Swithin's day in the year 1725 was very wet, and so Bulliot offered to bet any one who chose to put down his money that the next forty days would be rainy. So many persons showed desire to take up this wager that its terms were reduced to writing as fol- lows: "lf, dating from St. Swithin's day, it rains more or little for forty days successively, Bulliot will be con- sidered to have gained: but if it ceases to rain for only one day during that time, Bulliot has lost" On these terms Bulliot betted against all who presented themselves. He was so con- tident of success that he placed money against articles of value of every de- scription. People brought gold headed canes, snuff boxes, jewels, even clothes; and Bulliot wagered as much money against them as he considered they were worth. When his stock of cash came to an end he issued notes and bills of exchange to such an ex- tent that it was said he had paper money out to the value of 100000 crowns. All this naturally excited great deal of public curiosity, and the rash man found himself quite fashion, able for the time being. Verses were made in his honor, play was pro- duced which had him for its hero; in q word, he attracted as much atten- tion as if he had been monarch or a famous statesman. But unfortunately for Bulliot, St. Swithin was not true to his character. For the first twen- ty-one days of the stipulated time more or less rain fell. The twenty second day, however, was bright and cloudless, and night came on without there being the slightest sign of rain. Bulliot was ruined, and ruined so completely that he was unable to meet the notes and bills that bore his name. The holders of these tried to enforce payment; but the ancient law did not recognize debts of this kind any more than does the law of modern days. They were accordingly non- suited, and their debts declared irre coverable.
 In the early part of the present century sporting men were fond of betting on the duration of the lives of celebrities. Napoleon l. was especially the subject of these wagers. It is re- lated that, at dinner party in 1909, Sir Mark Skyes offered to pay any one who would give him hundred guineas down a guinea a day so long as Napoleon lived The offer was taken by clergyman present; and for three years Sir Mark paid him 365 guineas per annum. He then thought that he had thrown away enough money, and disputed further payment. The recipient, who was not at all disposed to lose his comfor- able annuity, brought on action, which, after lengthy litigation, was decided in favor of the baronet.
 A foreign prince staying in Paris made heavy bet with a member of the Imperial Club that he-the prince would in the course of the next two hours, be arrested by the police with out committing any offence or pro- voking the authorities in any fashion. The way he won his wager was by dressing himself in a tattered old blouse, a pair of mouldy boots full of holes, and a disreputable burlesque of hat. Thus attired he walked up to one of the most aristocratic cafes in Paris, and seating himself at table called for a cup of chocolate. The waiter, as was only natural, did not care about serving so suspicious look ing customer before he was assured that payment would be forthcoming. so he told the prince that he must pay i'll advance. Upon this his highness pulled bundle of bank notes out of his pocket, and picking out one of considerable value, told him to take the price of the coffee out of it and bring back the change. The man inn mediately went in search of the pro- prietor of tue cafe, who, when he had heard the facts of the case, ordered the coffee to be served, and at the same time sent to the nearest police station for a sergent de ri1le. The prince was of course arrested, and taken before commissary of police. He announced his rank, and told his reasons for assuming such an un- princely costume. The authorities were obdurate at first, but they finally consented to send the prince under escort to the Imperial Club, where the gentlemen with whom the bet had been made proved his identity, and paid his highness the money he had fairly won.
 Vieuxtemps, the well-known vio- IIaiSf llco1 &c Aoll .A..